in-cosmetics Asia delivered its first-ever conference in South Korea on September 12, giving local manufacturers a taste of what’s in store at the main exhibition Oct 29-31, 2013, in Bangkok. Visitors to the one-day event hailed from both smaller local companies and leading global manufacturers, including names such as Amore Pacific, Doori Cosmetics, Kolmar and Mary Kay. The "Insights Into Sustainable Growth" conference, in association with IBITA, brought together suppliers and delegates as they debated and discussed the hottest trends coming out of South Korea and the rest of Asia.

South Korea, selected as the country focus for this year’s in-cosmetics Asia, is exerting its influence across the region and beyond. The country is well known for its rapid growth with its cosmetics and toiletries industry growing 9.1% in 2012, as well as its flair for innovative product design, aesthetic ideals and complex beauty regimes.

The six conference seminars focused on new market data and information on ingredient innovation, specifically Euromonitor International presented its latest research on worldwide beauty and personal care markets (including a focus on what the future holds for developments across Asia), and Kline & Company took a close look at the global ingredients market with regional analysis to explore how mature markets stand against the fast-growing Chinese market. This session highlighted new trends and drivers, as well as some of the constraints brand owners and manufacturers must take into account when developing new products.

Attendees also heard from ingredient suppliers who presented their latest product offerings to give manufacturers food for thought about possible routes for innovation. Paul K R Yoon from Gattefossé (France) took a look at the surprising cosmetic benefits of plant wax butters; Solvay's Andy Lee (Singapore) showcased the company’s new conditioning polymer that answers the challenges of modern day shampoo formulation; Jerry Gew from Sasol Chemicals Pacific (Singapore) presented the science behind its newly patented fully synthetic petroleum wax; and Bioland Centre's Kim Young Heui (South Korea) examined the causes of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging and the approaches to protect against aging.

“The event was a miniature in-cosmetics Asia," said Ivan Rahal, marketing manager, in-cosmetics Asia. "We have received excellent feedback from the conference delegates, who have been invited to attend the main event in Bangkok where they will have the opportunity to meet 35 times more exhibitors and enjoy 10 times more seminars.”